Synagogenplatz

The area adjacent to the Graz synagogue, which was destroyed by fire in 1938, has been officially named “Synagogenplatz” since 1988. The square was named after the rabbi who was expelled in 1938 to commemorate the reopening of the synagogue.

With its modest elegance, this inconspicuous plaza represents a rich tapestry of Jewish tradition that has threaded its way through the city’s history.

Synagogenplatz, or Synagogue Square in English, is a tiny but significant enclave that serves as a sad reminder of Graz’s Jewish population. The square exemplifies both the community’s resiliency and the city’s dedication to maintaining its unique past.

The Synagogenplatz Memorial, a sombre and dramatic monument remembering Graz’s Jewish population who suffered atrocities during the Holocaust, is the square’s focal point. This moving sculpture by famous artist Alfred Jacoby serves as a striking reminder of a terrible period in Graz’s history when the Jewish population experienced persecution and injustice.

The Synagogenplatz Memorial is a captivating synthesis of modern art and historical symbolism. Its abstract design, which is made up of angular steel components, reflects broken bits of the community’s past. The interplay of light and shadow on the steel surfaces creates a melancholy beauty that invites visitors to pause and contemplate on the immense loss endured during the Holocaust.

Surrounding the area are the ruins of the Graz Synagogue, which was tragically demolished during the 1938 Kristallnacht. These relics, which include a part of the synagogue’s foundation, serve as physical ties to the past. Visitors are compelled to reflect on the people and stories that formerly inhabited this hallowed area.

Synagogenplatz is not only a place of grieving; it is also a place of learning and remembering. The square occasionally hosts exhibitions and activities focusing on the history and culture of Graz’s Jewish population. These activities allow visitors to dive deeper into historical tales, promoting a better awareness of the Jewish legacy that enriches the city’s history.

You’ll see the beautifully arranged cobblestones etched with the names of Jewish inhabitants who were persecuted during the Holocaust as you go across the area. These stones, known as Stolpersteine or “stumbling stones,” are part of Gunter Demnig’s global art project. They serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the people who formerly lived in Graz but whose lives were brutally cut short.

Synagogenplatz’s significance extends beyond its physical borders. It represents Graz’s dedication to preserving the memory of its Jewish population and remembering past horrors. It’s a meeting point for history and current art, inspiring discussions on the value of tolerance, diversity, and remembering.

Synagogenplatz has recently been a focal area for international communication and understanding. To promote tolerance and diversity, several groups and educational institutions combine to arrange events. These projects highlight the square’s function as a living memorial—a location where history’s lessons are turned into acts that build a more compassionate future.

Graz is committed to preserve its Jewish legacy beyond Synagogenplatz. Other historical landmarks in the city include the Jewish Cemetery, where generations of Jewish families have been laid to rest. These locations constitute a memory mosaic, allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of the Jewish community throughout Graz’s history.